27870, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27870, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.26 percent of the residents in 27870 has some form of health insurance. 49.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.82 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 27870 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,458 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27870. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,571 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 411 health care providers accessible to residents in 27870, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Roanoke Rapids, NC (ZIP Code 27870)

The assessment of arthritis care within ZIP Code 27870, encompassing Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including the availability of primary care physicians, specialist access, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support, all within the context of a hypothetical "Arthritis Score" ranking. This score is not a formal, standardized metric, but rather a composite evaluation reflecting the overall landscape of care.

The foundation of effective arthritis management rests on accessible primary care. In Roanoke Rapids, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A lower ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Analyzing the current ratio, considering the population size of the area, and comparing it to state and national averages provides a baseline. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, alongside information from local hospitals and clinics, would be essential for this calculation. A high ratio would negatively impact the Arthritis Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is vital. This involves assessing the practices' commitment to preventative care, early arthritis screening, and chronic disease management. Do local primary care providers routinely screen for arthritis risk factors? Do they have established protocols for referring patients to rheumatologists when necessary? Practices demonstrating proactive approaches would receive higher marks in the Arthritis Score. This could be determined by reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials (while maintaining patient privacy), and potentially contacting practices directly to inquire about their arthritis management protocols.

Specialist access is paramount. Rheumatologists are the cornerstone of arthritis care. The number of rheumatologists practicing within or readily accessible to ZIP Code 27870 directly influences the Arthritis Score. The distance patients must travel to see a rheumatologist, the wait times for appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans all play a role. If the nearest rheumatologist is a significant distance away, or if appointment availability is limited, the Arthritis Score would suffer. Conversely, a readily available rheumatologist with a strong reputation would significantly boost the score.

The adoption of telemedicine is a modern necessity, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, enabling patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive follow-up care, and manage their conditions more effectively. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, would receive a higher Arthritis Score. This includes assessing the availability of telehealth services, the ease of use of the platforms, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan. Practices that have not adopted telemedicine would have a lower score.

Arthritis often co-exists with mental health challenges. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the emotional toll of the disease can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within or readily accessible to Roanoke Rapids is therefore a crucial component of the Arthritis Score. Does the local healthcare system offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there partnerships between primary care practices, rheumatologists, and mental health providers? Practices demonstrating a commitment to mental health support would receive a more favorable score. This includes assessing the accessibility of mental health professionals, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan.

Standout practices within the ZIP Code would be identified by their commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This might include clinics with dedicated arthritis programs, those employing a multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists, or those actively participating in arthritis research or patient education initiatives. Identifying these practices would involve reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials, and potentially contacting practices directly to inquire about their arthritis management protocols. These standout practices would contribute positively to the overall Arthritis Score for the area.

The overall infrastructure of the local healthcare system also influences the score. The presence of a well-equipped hospital with specialized diagnostic capabilities, such as advanced imaging technologies, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The availability of physical therapy and rehabilitation services is also essential for managing the physical limitations associated with arthritis. The strength of the local healthcare infrastructure would be reflected in the Arthritis Score.

The Arthritis Score is dynamic and subject to change. The availability of physicians, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the patient population all influence the quality of care. Regular reassessment is therefore necessary to ensure the score accurately reflects the current state of arthritis care in Roanoke Rapids.

In conclusion, the "Arthritis Score" for Roanoke Rapids, NC (ZIP Code 27870) is determined by a complex interplay of factors. The availability of primary care physicians, specialist access, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support are all critical. The overall score reflects the commitment of local healthcare providers to providing comprehensive, patient-centered arthritis care.

To gain a visual understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points within Roanoke Rapids, consider exploring interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can offer a valuable perspective on the healthcare landscape, helping you visualize the data discussed in this analysis.